Conversations with the Inspiring Ginny Early

Ginny, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today. I opened Enemies of the Average, a boutique floral and event company, in 2015. Despite a meandering career path to this point, my life has always included a passion for creativity and a desire to seek the beauty in everything around me.

I’ve always loved weddings, and cherished being a part of many friends and families celebrations. Now I can look back at all of that “on-the’job” training and see clearly how it prepared me to apply my creative eye to wedding and event florals. Jumping out on my own was a scary thing, but my sweet family has been so kind and supportive! They continually push me to do better every day. I’ve also had the great privilege of mentoring and friendship with Amy Osaba, the best in the floral industry! She and her team have poured into and encouraged me to no end.

When I started Enemies of the Average in the Atlanta area, I had no idea how many amazing women I was about to meet in this industry! I am continually awed at the way this community stands alongside one another and pitches in to help each one succeed. Every day is a reminder that there is enough business for all of us, and we will all be better for working together.

Working out of my studio space in Gainesville allows me to dream up fully custom design for each client, and easily travel for destination work. Also, my location in Gainesville has given me the privilege to dive deeply into community and volunteer work here. I love that as I’m putting down my own roots, I’m helping others to do that as well.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way? What even IS a smooth road? Kidding, but I really don’t know many creative people who have had a smooth journey to the top of their field. There is something about struggle that teaches us lessons we wouldn’t learn any other way. I am a firm believer that in order to really appreciate beauty and light, we have to be able to see the darkness as well. I am so grateful for my creative journey through mountaintops and valleys, because I know it gives me more depth and ability, both as a designer and as a person.

My little business has had it’s share of difficulty with finances, loneliness, time balance, motherhood… all of it! All of those things would have overcome me if I didn’t have strong community. My best piece of advice for anyone starting out is to never think you can do this on your own. You absolutely can’t, and there’s something so freeing in that realization. We are made for connection, for love, and it is impossible to bring something of value to the world without it! Find a tribe to share your wins and losses, to listen, to help, and who will allow you to help them. It makes all the difference!

What should we know about Enemies of the Average? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition? Enemies of the Average specializes in fully custom, intimately crafted weddings and events. I work in layered, natural palettes to create environments that seamlessly blend lush elegance with editorial restraint. My garden-inspired designs are informed by my love of fashion and interiors.

I think my work is set apart from the rest of the field because of my artistic approach. For me, there is no such thing as “just a flower arrangement.” I come to each piece I make as an individual work of art that finds a place in a greater design. Working with the highest caliber of flower providers allows me to choose blooms that take my breath away!

All of my designs are grounded in a sense of place… they include natural elements of their environment for a look that is truly unique to a time and place. This kind of attention to personal detail helps me to tell each client’s story through their flowers.

Do you have a lesson or advice you’d like to share with young women just starting out? Find your tribe and edit your focus!

As I mentioned before, I truly believe it’s impossible to bring beauty into the world without community. We cannot be filled up enough on our own… we are made for love and connection and togetherness.

I also find value in editing your focus when just starting out. Learning to do one thing at a time, and do it with excellence, allows you to build an arsenal of skills you can proudly stand behind. If you spread too thin and tackle too many things at once, you’ll find yourself less confident in your ability.